Elden Ring: The Shattering!

In the following days, the battlefield was as calm as the waters of Liurnia, seemingly tranquil. It appeared that the Cuckoos had no intention of launching an offensive, not even bothering to use catapults. They merely observed coldly as the Carian forces fortified their structures, making the walls thicker and stronger.

It seemed as if there was a tacit understanding between both sides. The Carians did not send anyone to harass or disrupt, and the two sides faced each other silently from a thousand-meter distance. Kaelith rested his hands on the wall, looking southward, noticing supply wagons moving back and forth relentlessly. The Cuckoos showed no sign of retreat.

"Hmph, as expected, they're simply acting self-important, aren't they?"

As long as this manor remained in Carian hands, the Cuckoos could continue exploiting it as a reason to demand war funds, placing the Raya Lucaria Academy in a very awkward position.

If they refused to pay, the Cuckoos could simply abandon them, and what could they do to stop the Carian army?

If they paid, they would be essentially aiding the enemy.

"Haha, those traitors must be in a tough spot right now." Alain approached quietly, patting the wall and laughing heartily. "I hear they're trying to summon wandering sorcerers, but with war raging everywhere, how many would willingly return?"

Summoning sorcerers? Why haven't I received any news about this?

Kaelith scoffed inwardly. By his strong insistence, his merits and knighthood were kept hidden...

As the saying goes, fame invites trouble, and he had no desire to be the center of attention. Moreover, with Carian being besieged, many people couldn't connect the infamous "Hunting Hound Knight" with a mere Magic student. This secret wouldn't be revealed anytime soon.

"But tell me, does the Raya Lucaria Academy intend to force Her Majesty to act against us?"

"Don't worry, they wouldn't dare."

"Why? Is it just because a Carian Knight remains?"

"What does that Moongrum even count as?" Alain extended his hand, pointing towards the distant great tree. "As long as the Erdtree stands, even with ten times their courage, those sorcerers wouldn't dare harm Her Majesty!"

His words carried an imposing confidence. Kaelith nodded slightly, agreeing. Indeed, no one in The Lands Between knew if Radagon was alive or dead. If one day the Elden Lord suddenly returned, how could the Raya Lucaria Academy justify their actions?

Betrayal might be resolved through benefits, but harming Radagon's former wife would leave them utterly disgraced. They'd have no face to stand before the Elden Lord.

"In that case, the Academy can keep playing this game of attrition with the Cuckoos. I doubt Matthew is foolish enough to intervene. Let them exhaust themselves. Speaking of which, shall we have a little celebration tonight?"

The manor was bustling with activity. Tables filled the open grounds, laden with lamb, seafood, and fine liquor. Even the hundred soldiers stationed on the walls were salivating.

"You're like a worm in Iji's belly, knowing everything," teased the knight, smirking and patting Kaelith's shoulder. "Everything's ready. If the Cuckoos try anything, they won't leave unscathed. Go enjoy yourself; you've earned it."

"Alright, then I'll go," Kaelith replied, turning away, only to have his wrist grabbed.

"You're too blunt! At least say a few parting words! Go, but save some room for drinks later when we switch shifts. Let's see if you can keep up with a Carian Knight's drinking!"

Kaelith shrugged, chuckling inwardly. "You're digging your own grave," he thought. He wasn't fond of much in life, but he did enjoy a good drink occasionally. As the saying goes:

"In life, only poetry and wine matter; let the sword's light illuminate the world."

The mere thought of The Lands Between's fine wines made him wipe his mouth hastily, swallowing his saliva.

Descending the stairs, he greeted the Carian soldiers who saluted him, returning every gesture without a hint of arrogance. Upon reaching the open ground, the scene before him was chaotic yet heartwarming.

Everywhere, people were laughing and bustling. Soldiers with typically stern faces were cheerfully serving food. Several Trolls sat cross-legged, their giant swords strung with ropes, while young soldiers used them to jump rope. Others climbed onto the Trolls' shoulders, leaping about.

Just then, a figure wearing a Glintstone hood dashed past Kaelith. He stepped aside, seeing a bald sorcerer panting heavily while chasing after, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"Haha! Rodri, no wonder you wear that hood even while eating. Want to try my hair growth formula?"

"Idiot! This bald head is a symbol of wisdom; what do you know?" The sorcerer adjusted the few stray hairs on his head, grumbling as he sought help from a companion. Kaelith, seeing the "dignified" display, doubled over in laughter.

"Hahaha! Thank goodness this body isn't bald; otherwise, I'd never take off the hood either!"

"Hey, what are you laughing at?"

Kaelith felt a heavy pat on his back and turned to see a burly woman standing behind him. Her scars had healed, though the marks made her face look fierce.

"It's just that sorcerer—it's funny. By the way, Captain, you've recovered so quickly?"

"The medics here are no fools; they've learned from the royal perfumers. Not bad work." Carine pounded her chest proudly, teasing in a low voice, "You're a knight now, and I can't just call you 'Captain.'"

"We've shared life and death. Even if I became the Elden Lord, that wouldn't change."

"Well said! I hate all those tedious formalities. But you're different today."

"Different how?"

"Hmm... Less gloomy."

"Hey, battle is battle, and life is life. I'm not some brooding avenger."

"Well said! I like you more and more. Why don't you come to my room tonight?"

"Uh, I'll pass."

The two chatted as they walked, soon spotting Arnold waving at them. He had saved two empty seats.

Kaelith sat down and lightly poked the bandaged abdomen of the young man beside him. "Feeling better?"

Arnold winced, taking a sharp breath and dodging the jab. "Can't I just enjoy the atmosphere a little?"

"Sure, sure. But this drink here is mine now," Kaelith said, grabbing the boy's cup. Supplies were scarce in Carian territory, and each person had only one or two drinks.

"Wait, you never drank before! Said alcohol clouds your mind."

Kaelith smirked, handing him four words: "I've made peace."

Many things couldn't be explained. Why bother pretending to be Kaelith Light? Good food, good wine—that's what mattered.

Arnold wanted to ask more but fell silent as the hall quieted. Looking up, he saw Half-Wolf Blaidd standing on the roof.

"Everyone, on behalf of Princess Ranni, I congratulate you. It is because of your bravery that we hold this land."

Blaidd's cold voice resonated, and the crowd, familiar with Ranni's style, listened quietly. Without further words, Blaidd flipped his cup and poured the wine onto the ground.

"This first drink is to honor the fallen warriors."

As his voice faded, he accepted a wine cup from his attendant, raised it high, and continued, "This second cup, to the bravery of all present!"

He tipped his head back and drank it in one go, taking another cup right after, lifting it high once more.

"This third cup, to Carian's eternal radiance, like the full moon!"

"Magnificent! Carian!"

The crowd responded in unison, followed by the sounds of gulping drinks, as countless warriors wiped the corners of their mouths and roared in laughter, sitting down amidst cheers, toasts, and the clamor of meat being torn apart.

You're drinking water, for heaven's sake!

Kaelith shook his head, dissatisfied, as he set his cup down reluctantly. Spotting a soldier responsible for the kitchen passing by, he silently tossed aside the bronze wine flask he was holding.

Kid, you're messing with me, aren't you?

He sniffed the flask Alain had handed him, and his eyes lit up immediately.

Good wine!

This was definitely someone's private stash. When Carine reached out to claim it, he quickly protected the flask, shoving Arnold's cup toward her instead.

"Hah, stingy as always."

"Ha, captain, you're still not fully healed. I'm just looking out for you."

"What do you know? The more painful the wound, the more alive I feel!"

Kaelith looked utterly shocked, muttering inwardly, *What a masochist,* before pouring himself a cup of the fine wine and raising it solemnly.

"Carine, thank you for taking care of me."

"Don't say that. If it weren't for you, I'd be long dead." The robust woman stood up, dragging Arnold to his feet and bluntly asking, "Are you leaving the estate?"

Kaelith looked at the reluctant and silent young comrade. True friends always think on behalf of others.

"Yes, I want to search for a stronger path."

"Just remember to let me cling to your leg when the time comes."

The two laughed heartily, draining their cups. Kaelith sat back down, grabbing a knife and fork, and waved his hand generously.

"Let's eat!"

The feast stretched from evening into late night, with soldiers sprawled across the estate, bellies bulging. Fortunately, Liurnia's warm climate meant no one feared catching cold. However, while the city dined in peace, the Cuckoo clan camp outside the city held a grand feast of their own, showcasing their defiance.

The city and the outskirts both indulged in revelry. Who knows if this scene would anger the Sorcerers to the point of brain hemorrhage?

Blood feuds ran deep, but both sides displayed a strange tacit understanding, easing the tension that had gripped everyone. Near midnight, Kaelith staggered down the city walls, hugging his wine flask, head spinning and tongue heavy.

*I forgot this isn't my original body…*

Even though his magic apprentice body was much stronger, it remained sensitive to alcohol. After much effort, he stumbled down the stairs, leaning against the wall to retch.

"Maybe I went too far teasing Alain... Told you, you're asking for trouble."

Panting, Kaelith reached for his mouth but was handed a handkerchief. Without thinking, he took it, then realized something was off, turning swiftly.

A small, elegant figure cloaked in black stood behind him, their refined face strikingly familiar.

"Your Highness…"

"Shh, I came secretly, hiding from Blaidd," Ranni said, pressing a finger to her lips. Seeing Kaelith's stunned expression, she coughed lightly and explained, "Don't overthink it. As a remaining royal member, such an extraordinary victory deserves a visit."

You should've come earlier!

Still suspicious, Kaelith gestured to the sprawled soldiers around them and asked, "Are you here to give a speech? Wait, I'll call Alain Knight right away."

"Don't!" Ranni raised her voice, stopping him in time, shooting him a sidelong glance. "I'm just here to observe. Also, you haven't thanked me for my gift."

"So this wine was from you? No wonder it tasted different!" Kaelith exclaimed, lifting the flask he'd been reluctant to finish. He thought it rivaled the famed "Dragon Spring."

"Shh, keep it down." Ranni sighed, pulling the young man along. "Follow me."

The two climbed to the top of a stone tower, where the guards had long retired under the silver moon. The view was stunning, albeit accompanied by faint snoring from below.

Kaelith looked around, noting the serene Lake Liurnia on the left and the vast ocean beyond the cliffs on the right. Taking a deep breath, he marveled, "What a beautiful view."

"I told you. Long ago, Rykard and I used to come here often to enjoy this view." Ranni sat on the wall, her figure blending with the full moon.

"So, consider that flask my personal thanks. Without you, this place, rich in memories, would've been reduced to ruins."

Her tone held a hint of melancholy. For Demigods, their lives were so long that even beautiful memories blurred, making the places that carried them all the more precious.

Kaelith said nothing, silently watching the girl under the moonlight. Her figure seemed ethereal, almost unreal.

"Why are you staring at me?" Ranni asked without turning, her expression hidden.

"You seem less majestic tonight, more… genuine."

…

A long silence followed. Just as Kaelith began wondering if he'd said something wrong, the figure before him suddenly spoke.

"From now on, just call me Ranni in private. I feel like 'Your Highness' sounds strange, like you're mocking me."

"As you wish, Your Highness. Very well, Your Highness."

"You!" The girl turned abruptly, her face expressionless. Yet Kaelith's amused grin disarmed her. After a brief standoff, her sapphire eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Hand it over," she demanded, extending her hand.

"What?"

"The wine. I've been observing you all night and noticed how much you enjoy it. Just this once, I'll drink a few cups with you."

Kaelith, clutching the flask, hesitated. He wasn't reluctant to share, but rather…

*You're a doll. Wouldn't this be harmful?!*